Margaret D. Lowman

Board Director

Nicknamed the “real-life Lorax” by National Geographic and “Einstein of the treetops” by Wall Street Journal, Meg Lowman pioneered the science of canopy ecology. Meg is affectionately called the mother of canopy research as one of the first scientists to explore this eighth continent. Her international network and passion for science have led her into leadership roles where she seeks best practices to solve environmental challenges and serves as a role model to women and minorities in science. At the California Academy of Sciences, Lowman has played a leadership role to integrate the priorities of sustainability and science communication into the existing research programs of the Institute of Biodiversity Science and Sustainability.  Formerly a Professor at North Carolina State University and the founding director of North Carolina's innovative Nature Research Center (NRC), Lowman has served as a mentor to women and minorities in the workplace throughout her career.   She has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications, and her first book about her (mis)adventures as a woman in science, “Life in the Treetops,” received a cover review in the New York Times Sunday Book Review. Working tirelessly on sustainability initiatives at home and abroad, “CanopyMeg” was a Fulbright Senior Specialist Scholar to both India and Ethiopia, mentoring women as part of her global outreach. She is currently leading a canopy research and education project in Penang, Malaysia.